SOUTHAMPTON women have turned to carrying knuckledusters and pepper spray in a bid to protect themselves from men.

Some say they have even resorted to holding illegal weapons due to the fear of sexual violence.

It is now almost a year since the brutal kidnap and murder of Sarah Everard by police officer Wayne Couzens.

And since then, the issue of violence against women has been at the forefront of national debate.

However, the fear of walking home alone is still real for many living in Southampton.

Bitterne resident Eva Paldamova said: “I carry my keys in between my fingers like a weapon, and a year ago I started carrying ultraviolet pepper spray.

She believes they act as an ‘extra layer of security' and she doesn’t feel safe without them.

“Sometimes I’ll be in situations where I forget them and I have to walk home without them, and it just doesn’t feel safe,” the 20-year-old student added.

Meanwhile, Hannah, a university student in Southampton who asked the Daily Echo not to use her full name, said: “My mum sat me down when I was 12 and told me, as a woman, you have got to look after yourself and do certain things.

“She showed me how to put keys in between my fingers and told me if I am walking late at night, I should do that.”

She now carries a rape alarm and knuckle duster - the latter of which is deemed an offensive weapon in the UK.

Getting caught with one can lead to getting fined or even prison time.

Despite being illegal, Hannah remains adamant she will continue carrying weapons.

She added: “They can put as many lights in the parks as they want, but if police aren’t there to stop these crimes, the incidents will continue to happen.”

Both women are calling for more police on the streets of Southampton.

  • Anyone affected by an unwanted sexual experience, contact Yellow Door for support by calling 02380 636312.